15 Temples Famous within South India You Must Visit
When we think of the beautiful and sacred south-facing Temple, the first thought that pops up in our thoughts is the temples in South India. The southern region of India is, without a doubt well-known for its stunning array of temples. The temples constructed within South India all draw identical attention due to them being the primary attraction for all tourists who visit there. Tourists from across the globe come only to see a glimpse of the splendor of the southern temples.
The temples that you can visit in South India will captivate you with their unique culture and their past. They will bring you back to your roots and leave you feeling very content and excited. So, here are some of the most beautiful temples in South India with names and details, so that you can come to know more about them.
Here’s the list of the Temples with the Most Popular Names in South India:
1. Tirupati Tirumala Temple, Lord Vishnu:
The Tirupati Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara also called Lord Vishnu is an important one among the five south Indian temples located in South India. The Balaji temple in south India is very well-liked by all devotees. It is situated in the city of temples in south India, Chittoor, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The pilgrims must climb 3500 steps to get to the top of the hill which is where the temple is situated. From the bottom to the summit, it takes approximately 4 hours in either direction. It is also possible to take an alternative route and get to the temple via bus, too. This is among the richest and largest temples situated in southern India. It has not only been visited by kings but also film stars as well.
The duration of the trip is 1-2 hours
How to Access: Bus/Trek
The nearest bus Stand: Tirumala – 0.10 km
The nearest airport is Renigunta 38 kilometers from Tirupati
Nearest Railway Station: Tirupati – 22 km
The Best Time to Visit: Avoid Summer Holidays and Brahmotsavam Time
High Season From January to December
Dress Code No
Time: From 2:30 AM to 1:30 AM
Festivities: Brahmotsavam (Sept/Oct)
Other Attraction: Srinivasa Mangapuram, Tiruchanur, Talakona Falls
2. Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Lord Shiva:
Temple of Ramanatha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is among the most revered temples in South India for visiting in Rameshwaram. It is among the most ancient temples in south India that are named within South Indian temple’s history since it is home to the longest hallway in India. It was in the year 12th Century that the building of the Rameshwaram Temple started. The temple was built by many rulers of India. The corridor is approximately 1220 meters long and has pillars that are extremely beautifully curved. The hall also has a 54-meter-high Gopuram which is now an emblem of divine power, too. 22 wells are scattered throughout the grounds at the Ramanatha Swamy temple. There is a legend that the water from each well tastes distinct.
Duration of Trip: 1-2 hours
How to reach: Cab/Auto
The nearest railway Station: is Rameswaram Railway Station 2 km
The best time to visit: Feb-March and July-Aug
High Season From February to August
Dress Code No
Time: 5-AM to 1 PM and 3 PM 9 Midnight
Festivities: Every year Brahmotsavams (Feb/March through July/Aug)
Other Attractions: Rameshwaram
3. Virupaksha Temple, Lord Shiva:
It is believed that the Virupaksha Temple is among the most popular temples in south India on the list, and is also one of the most important temples located in the town of Hampi. It is located in the western portion of the Hampi Bazaar. It is one of the most revered temples in South India which dedicates itself to Lord Shiva which makes it among the top sacred temples within Karnataka. Karnataka. The temple remains in its remains and is still in use. Another name for the temple is Pampapathi Temple.
It is one of the most popular Temples located in South India and was founded around the 7th century AD. This makes it one of the oldest temples found in India. In the beginning, it was a modest shrine that was later expanded throughout the times of the Vijayanagara King, Chalukyan as well as the Hoysala times as well. The temple is the principal place of worship for the whole population of Hampi. The main tower of the temple measures 160 feet high. The walls that surround the structure are supported by a long corridor. The temple is included in South India’s most revered temple lists, and it is also dated
dating back up to 1515. It was then renovated in the 16th century.
Duration of the Trip: 1 hour
How To Reach: Cab/Auto/Walk/Trek/Rental Bike
Next bus Stand: Hampi Bus Stand – 0.4 km
The Best Time to visit: Feb and Dec
High Season From Nov to Mar
Dress Code No
Time: 6:30 AM to 1 pm and 5 8 PM until 9 9:00 PM
Festivities: The Annual Chariot Fest (Feb) and Marriage Celebrations in Virupaksha along with Pampa (Dec)
Other Attraction: Nandi statue, Bhuvaneswari shrine, Vidyaranya Shrine
15 Temples Famous within South India You Must Visit
4. Sri Meenakshi Agastheeshwara Swamy Temple, Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathi:
It is the Sri Meenakshi Agastheeshwara Swami Temple situated in the Nalgonda district in Telangana. The Meenakshi temple located in south India is extremely old and therefore is committed to Lord Shiva as well as Goddess Parvathi. The south Indian temples ‘ information stated that it was built by the Kakatiya Rulers during the year 1209. The temple is located in a region where rivers Krishna and Musi meet. This confers the temple with a spiritual significance. The temple is also famous for its continuous flow of water from the top of the Shivalinga inside the holy sanctum. It’s also among the strong religious sites in South India. Even if the source of the water is removed, also the original level of water remains. It is believed the gods Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and Sri Meenakshi Agastheswara were erected at first inside the temple. The local rulers then substituted them with the gods that were of Lord Shiva.
Duration of the Trip: 4 hours
How to reach: Cab/Bus
The nearest Stand for Bus Stand: is Wadapally Bus Stand – 1.2 km
Nearest Airport: Hyderabad – 172 km
Nearest Station for Railways: Miryalaguda railway station 29 kilometers
The best time to visit: March
High Season February – April
Dress Code No
Timingsare: 7AM – 11PM and 6 PM 7 PM – 7:30 P.M.
Festivals: Maha Shivratri
Other Attractions: Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
5. Darasuram Airavathesvara Temple, Lord Shiva, Lord Yama, Lord Indra:
It is believed that the Airavathesvara Temple was built by Rajaraja Chola II. It was constructed around the year 1235 and is one of the five southern Indian temples, which were recognized to be among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is part of the Great Living Chola Temples. There’s plenty of architecture and art within the temple. The temple’s vimana measures 85 feet tall as well. The temple’s front is adorned with a massive chariot that is pulled by horses. It is also among the most powerful shrines in south India. It also houses stones that are stunning as well. The most important god’s consort which can be identified as known as the Periya Nayaki Amman temple is situated very near the Airavateshwarar temple. The legend states the Lord’s White Elephant was worshipped by Lord Shiva and also Lord Yama who was known as the God of Death.
Time of Trip: 1-2 hours
How to reach: Cab/Bus
Nearest Bus Stand: Kumbakonam Bus Stand – 8 km
The most convenient airport is Trichy International Airport 70 km
Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur railway station – 34 km
Best Time To Visit: Nov – Feb
The Peak Season is From November to February
Dress Code No
Timingsare: 6-7:30 pm
Festivals: Maha Shivratri
Other Attraction: Periya Nayaki Amman temple, Kumbakonam
6. Gangaikonda Temple, Lord Shiva & Lord Saraswati:
The temple is an excellent representation of the different styles of South Indian Hindu temple architecture styles that you can observe inside the traditional temples and cultural traditions of India. It is a temple with several intriguing features, which can be the reason behind its popularity across the nation. The temple was founded in the name of the long history and the triumph of the Cholas. Their significance is evident in the fact that their battles and stories were recollected in the Chola temples, which is why the art of the temple is significant. The various areas of the temple display the numerous contributions of the Cholas. It also houses several sacred shrines to God Shiva along with Goddess Saraswati.
Time of Trip: 30-minutes – one hour
How to Find: Cab/Bus
The nearest airport: is Tiruchirapalli International Airport located 111 kilometers
Nearest Railway Station: Kuthalam railway station – 31 km
The Best Time to Go: Sept – March
High Season From September to March
Dress Code No
Timingsare: 6:30 AM to 12:12 PM and 4 5 – 8 pm
Festivals: Maha Shivaratri, Saraswati Puja
Other Attraction: Sri Kaliamman Temple, Pillayar Koil, Sri Periyanayaki Amman Temple
15 Temples Famous within South India You Must Visit
7. Vittala Temple, Lord Vishnu:
The temple is situated on the southwestern bank of the Tungabhadra River. It is one of the biggest and considered to be one of the more renowned temples too. It is among the most ancient temples found in South India. It has the Stone Chariot and as well as Musical Pillars too. The temple was constructed around the fifteenth century AD. It was built during the reign devaraya’s reign. This temple was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is essential for anyone visiting Hampi. The temple’s architecture is a Dravidian style. The chariot was constructed from huge granite boulders with mythical battle scenes too. Two elephants are on the side of the chariot when it was previously two horses.
The duration of the trip is 1-2 hours
How To Reach: Cab/Bus/Trek/Walk/Rental Bike
The nearest bus Stand: Hampi Bus Stand is 9 km, and Kamalapura Bus Stand – is 5.5 km
Nearest Airport: Ballari Airport – 64 km
The nearest railway Station: Hospet railway station 10 kilometers
The Best Time to Go: Nov-Feb
The Peak Season is Jan-Feb
Dress Code No
Timingsare: 8:15 AM to 5:30 pm
Festivals: Purandaradasa festival
Other Attractions: Kalayna Mantapa
8. Ayyappa Temple, Lord Ayyappan:
It is believed that the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple has a period of more than five thousand years. It is among the South’s oldest Indian sacred temples found in India. Its main draw is the fact that Lord Ayyappan is the sole patron of the temple. The temple is set amidst 18 hills and is situated at an altitude of 3000 feet. God’s image of Ayyappan was erected at the direction of Lord Parasurama. The devotees all offer traditional items for the Lord. It is among the southern Indian historic temples, which do not have any restrictions on caste or religion. The temple is open to men of all ages, however, women between 10 and 50 years old are not permitted in the temple. The temple can be reached by trekking from Pamba which is the nearest part of the road that leads to the temple, and is an 8-kilometer distance.
The duration of the trip is 2-3 hours
How to Get To Trek/Walk
Next Bus Stand: Sabarimala – 1 km
Nearest Airport: Kochi Airport – 158 km
Nearest Railway Station: – Kottayam- 94 km
The Best Time to visit: Feb – Oct
The Peak Season is From Nov to Jan
Dress Code No
Timers: 4 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM 11 pm (Nov-Jan) and 5 PM – 10 pm (Other months)
Festivals: Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku, Makara Jyothi
Other Attractions: City of Sabarimala
9. Agneeswarar Temple or KanjanurSukran Temple, Lord Shiva, Lord Agni & Goddess Karpagambal:
It is the Agneeswarar Temple is located in Kanjanur, Tamil Nadu. The Shiva temple in South India was built in the Medieval Cholas and then it was restored during the Vijayanagar Empire. It was believed that Lord Brahma saw Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvati being married in this temple. Lord Agni is believed to worship Lord Shiva here, which is the reason for the name, Agneeswarar. It is believed that Sukran has the highest prosperous planet following Guru. Lord Sukran is observed on a Friday which is why Fridays are thought to be special in their way. The Brahma temple located in southern India is a large structure and an area for the ground which is vast. This temple is an absolute must-see for anyone who loves architecture and history.
Duration of Trip: 1-2 hours
How to Access: Bus/Cab/Auto
Nearest Bus Stand: Suryanar Temple – 3 km
Nearest Airport: Trichy Airport – 70 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kumbakonam Railway Station – 18 km
The Best Time to Go: Aug – Sept
High Season July – August
Dress Code No
Timingsare: 7AM – 12:30PM and 4 PM 9 9:00 PM
Festivals: Mahasivaratri, Arudra Darisanam, AadiPooram, Navaratri
Other Attraction: Suriyanar Temple, Sri Sarabeshwarar Temple, Sri Mahalingam Swami Temple
10. Kapaleeswarar Temple, Lord Shiva:
The Kapaleeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was constructed during the eighth century, by the Pallavas. The current structure was constructed during the rule of the rulers from Vijayanagara during the sixteenth century. It is among the most well-known Shiva shrines found in southern India. The temple is adorned with a huge gopuram that is 37 meters high. The temple’s architecture is in the Dravidian style. It is, therefore, one of the top tourist destinations in Chennai. Chennai. The temple is adorned with stunning sculptures. Each year, there is a unique tourist attraction because of the Arubathumoovar festival. Arubathumoovar festival. The area is great for historians too. Idols are belonging to approximately 63 worshippers, who all received salvation by pleading with Lord Shiva in the name of their devotion to the Lord.
Duration of Trip: 1 hour
How to Access: Bus/Cab/Auto
The nearest Stand for Bus Stand: Chennai Bus Stand 5 kilometers
Nearest Airport: Chennai Airport – 6.5 km
Nearest Railway Station: Chennai Central Railway Station – 6.5 km
The Best Time to visit: Mar – April
High Season March – April
Dress Code No
Time: 5 – 11 pm and 4 pm – 9:30 pm
Festivals: Mahasivaratri, Arudra Darisanam, AadiPooram, Navaratri
Other Attractions: Marina Beach, Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple, Fort St. George
15 Temples Famous within South India You Must Visit
11. Meenakshi Amman Temple or Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati:
It is the Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the five most famous temples in south India and Madurai too. This temple was committed to the gods’ Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The temple located in the list of temples in the south is widely regarded as an architectural masterpiece and also. It was also among thirty nominees for the seven wonders of the globe. The temple is the lifeline and is the core that is the capital city of Madurai. This structure was rebuilt under Viswanatha Nayak during the period 1559-1600. The structure was then reconstructed by Tirumalai Nayak between 1623 and 1655. The South Indian Hindu temple is situated in an area of 45 acres and is also covered by 14 towers. As it is among the five most famous temples in south India each day, the temple is visited by around 15,000 people, and the number increases to 25000 on Fridays.
Time of Trip: 2-3 hours
How to Get To Cab/Auto/Trek/Walk
The nearest bus Stand: is Madurai Junction 2 km
The Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
The nearest railway Station: Madurai Railway Station 2 km
The best time to visit: is April – May (or between June and March for those who want to stay clear of the traffic)
High Season From April to May
Dress Code No
Timings are: 5-AM to 12:30 pm and 4 pm – 9:30 pm
Festivals: Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival
Other Attractions: PotramaraiKulam
12. Thiruparankundram Temple, Lord Muruga:
It is believed that the Thiruparankundram Temple is considered to be an important and sacred spot in Madurai. The temple was constructed around the time of 8th century and was committed to the god Lord Murugan. It is among the first temples thought to be the spot in which Lord Muruga was worshipped by Lord Shiva. This was the time that Lord Muruga defeated the demon surapadman and later got married to Deivayani, the child of Indra Deivayani. The principal portion of the shrine houses its temple which was constructed from rocks. The shrine has 48 bent pilasters. The shrine also features Lord Shiva as well as Lord Vishnu confronting one another This is an unusual scene amid a Hindu temple.
The duration of the trip is 1-2 hours
How to Get To Cab/Auto/Bus
The nearest bus Stand: is Madurai Junction 8 kilometers
The Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
The nearest Station: Railway Station: Madurai Railway Station 8 kilometers
The Best Time to Go: Oct-May
The Peak Season is From March to May
Dress Code No
Time: 5:15 AM to 1 pm and 4 5 – 9:30 PM
festivals: Tamil month of Panguni (Mar/Apr), Chittirai festival (Apr/May) Skanda Shashti (Oct/Nov)
Other Attractions: Aasthaana Mandapam, Rajagopuram statue of Lord Murugan, Pond outside the temple
13. Koodal Alagar Temple, Lord Vishnu:
The Koodal Alagar Temple is one of the largest temples in Madurai and also. It was dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. This temple is believed to be more ancient in comparison to its predecessor, Meenakshi Temple, which is located in Madurai and also. The most distinctive feature that this shrine has is its posture in that it is situated in three different positions of the identical God. There are three statues of Vishnu who are in standing, reclining, or sitting positions. There are beautiful designs and architectural features within the temple as well. There are many colorful murals on the walls with images of various gods and goddesses. On festivals, this temple is awash with the largest number of devotees.
Duration of Trip: 1 hour
How to Access: Cab/Auto
The nearest bus Stand: is Madurai Junction 1 km
The Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
The nearest Station: Railway Station: Madurai Railway Station 1 km
The Best Time to visit: Sept-Oct
High Season Sep – Oct
Dress Code No
Time: 8:30 AM-12:30 PM and 4 pm – 10 pm
Festivals Brahmotsavam Festival, Annual Brahmotsavam Festival
Another Attraction Lord Rama’s Coronation, or Pattabhishekham
14. Chamundi Hill Chamundeswari temple, Goddess Chamundeswari:
Chamundeswari Temple Chamundeswari temple was built to honor the goddess Chamundeswari who is the avatar of Goddess Parvathi. This is among the most popular places of worship in Karnataka. If you are on a Mysore Trip, you should go to this spot. The elevation of this location stands at 10,65 m. The gold temple in south India was constructed around the year 11th century too. The temple’s idol is made entirely of Gold. The temple is also built in the Dravidian architectural style, as well. The temple’s tower is approximately 40 meters high and has seven stories. The entrance to the tower has an attractive image of the god Lord Ganesha. There are approximately 1000 steps down up to the hill of temples.
Time of Trip: 2-3 hours
How to reach: Cab/Bus
Next Bus Stand: Mysore Junction – 13.5 kilometers
The nearest airport: is Mysore Airport
The nearest Station: Railway Station: Madurai Railway Station – 13.5 kilometers
The Best Time to visit: Sept-Oct
The Peak Season is Sep – Oct
Dress Code No
Time: 7:30 AM – 2 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM – 6 PM, and 7:45 PM – 9:15 PM
Celebrations: Navaratri
Other Attractions: Mahabaleshwara temple
15. Nanjundeshwara Temple of Nanjangud, Lord Shiva:
It is believed that the Nanjundeshwara Temple is built on the banks of the Kabini River. The temple was in honor of the God who consumed poison, that’s why it’s dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is built in Dravidian Style architecture. It is believed that Lord Shiva took a drink of all the poison to stop the spread of the poison to other regions of the universe and to stop the universe from being destroyed. After drinking the entire poison, his wife, Goddess Parvathi, sat on his throat to stop the poison from being spread across other parts of the Lord’s body. This is how Lord Shiva developed the blue color of his throat. There are also a few small shrines in the temple including Narayana, Parvathi, Ganesha, and more.
The duration of the trip: 4 hours
How to Get To Cab/Bus
The nearest bus Stand: is Mysore Junction 27 km
Most Nearest Airports: Mysore Airport or Bangalore Airport
The nearest Station: Railway Station: Madurai Railway Station – 27 km
The Best Time to visit: is Oct – April
The Peak Season is From Nov to Mar
Dress Code No
Timings 6-AM – noon and 4 8 – 8:30 pm
Festivals: Dodda Jathre & Chikka Jahre
Other Attractions: Temple town of Nanjangud, Parashurama Kshetra
Additional Voice:
If you’re going to visit one of these temples, ensure that you follow the following guidelines:
Keep your children and your family members in your vicinity during large crowds and traffic in temples.
Always carry water and food bottles along to ensure that you keep well-hydrated.
Certain shrines and temples have strict rules. Therefore, make sure you adhere to them.
Make sure you wear good shoes, so that if you have to walk or hike and walk comfortably and not harm your feet.
Certain temples are not permitted to use cameras and other telecommunications and mobile devices. You must research this before visiting to avoid any fines. be charged penalties.
Thus, it can be quickly seen that there are many kinds of well-known south Indian temples and temples with names that you can explore and visit. The names range from the god of Shiva and Lord Vishnu and beyond, every God, as well as Goddess, is revered and worshipped in the south of India. In the south, Indian temple photos with names can help you understand the culture and history of the historical Indian monarchs, rulers, and more because of the Dravidian architectural styles. In addition to the south Indian temples, it is also possible to see the stunning landscape and enjoy the food of the region.
15 Temples Famous within South India You Must Visit
Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. What is the Story Behind the Name of the Nanjundeshwara Temple in Nanjangud?
The primary reason for Nanjundeshwara Temple is that Nanjundeshwara Temple is that when due to the battle with the Gods and the demons as poison was going through the oceans in all directions and spreading throughout the entire universe Lord Shiva chose to drink the poison himself, stop the universe from destruction. This is the reason why the name was given to the temple to the temple as well as why Lord Shiva is revered in the temple.
2. What is so affluent about the south Indian Temple architecture the Gangaikonda Temple?
The Gangaikonda Temple is very much an iconic illustration of how many different styles there is in the architecture in the temple. This temple is famous for the story of the Cholas which are cherished by all Chola temples. The contributions to the fields of art and architecture are is observed here. The contribution of the Cholas is displayed throughout the various areas within the temple.
3. How Much Will You Pay to Walk or Run to reach the Tirupati Tirumala Temple?
To get to reach the Tirupati Tirumala Temple you must travel 9 kilometers. You can complete this journey in 4 or 6 hours, however, 4 hours is the standard duration to get to the summit. One must walk around 3500 steps. There are a variety of shops within the distance, meaning there is no need for concerns about water or food. The path is covered with cement ceilings.
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